I chose this piece written by Van Hipp because of the topic of Ebola. I have traveled to Africa, and I will be traveling there again soon, so I have tried to learn what I can about it (since, yes, I get bombarded with Ebola questions, even though I have never been to an affected area).

There are several things I like about the structure and content of this article, which translates to Hipp's overall writing style.

1. He uses a list format (so am I. Get it?)This is aesthetically pleasing to the eye because in an article with SO MUCH information, most of it pretty dense, statistical, and unfamiliar, the writer needs to be as organized as possible when informing the reader. Separating the information into "programs that were cut or canceled that would have assisted in this matter," "what concerns scientists the most," and "here's what needs to happen now" helps the reader process all of this information and understand it piece by piece. Also, he's generally pretty concise in doing so. This helps, too. Medical and political jargon doesn't help readers understand Ebola!

2. He incorporates the politics.There is a lot more to Ebola than simply "don't travel to Africa." When at outbreak like this occurs, the government has programs in place that can aid in certain ways. By giving factual input and also his opinion, Hipp was able to introduce people who might not know a lot about the political aspects of an epidemic why they affect us all, not just those in an affected area. It is important to see this issue through a globally political angle as opposed to simply a medical and geographical angle. Hipp is knowledgable and tries to share that knowledge in his writing.

3. His sources were interesting.It was interesting to hear that the physicians who spoke with Hipp had a lot of political input when asked about Ebola. This should encourage the reader to develop a greater understanding in how the world's problems intertwine and what we can do in our own country to ensure that we are protected against problems in other countries. It was both refreshing and interesting to read quotes about what could have been done in the past and what should be done in the future, politically, as it pertains to Ebola, as opposed to the tired stories about how to protect yourself from the virus when traveling or in public. This different angle is important.

I think Hipp is very intelligent and has succeeded in developing a concise, unique, and informational writing style. He is professional yet colloquial, which allows just about anyone to understand and take in his words.